despite governmental opposition —
Boston Pride calls for messages of support from the community

Boston, MA – November 4th, 2013 – Boston Pride, the local non-profit organization responsible for the coordination and production of the Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Celebration in Boston, is proud to lend its support to its Belarusian counterparts in Minsk, for their upcoming celebration. The 9th LGBT Human Rights Forum “Minsk Pride 2013″ will be held 6-10 December, in Minsk, Belarus.

“We want to express our solidarity with the organizers of Minsk Pride, as they face many hurdles from their authorities and the local population” said Linda DeMarco, president of Boston Pride. Minsk Pride’s Human Rights Forum, which was first held in 1999, is aimed at contributing to the global growth of human rights respect, at fighting discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity, and at combating homophobia within the Belarusian society. Last year’s Forum gathered over 1,000 participants, despite state prohibition.

“As a founding member of InterPride, the international association of Gay Pride organizers, Boston Pride is committed to raising awareness about human rights issues around the world. While we have enjoyed tremendous progress in Massachusetts and in the United States, our community must remember that the struggle continues in other parts of the world, and that it within our reach to lend a hand to those who fight for LGBT rights far away” said Sylvain Bruni, board member at Boston Pride and a member of InterPride’s human rights committee.

Boston Pride will be collecting community messages through its website and Facebook page until December 6th, and will send them to Minsk Pride organizers as a collective message of solidarity from the people of Boston.

Boston Pride creates change and progress in society by embracing our community’s diverse history, culture, and identities, promoting community engagement and inclusivity, and striving for visibility and respect in unity.

Mission

Boston Pride produces events and activities to achieve inclusivity, equality, respect, and awareness in Greater Boston and beyond. Fostering diversity, unity, visibility and dignity, we educate, communicate and advocate by building and strengthening community connections.